As you can see, Carole is looking well which is a great relief to us all.
Sunday, 28 August 2011
Celebrating success
Our friend Carole was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and was quickly admitted and operated on. The news that the operation was a complete success deserved celebrating so the four of us, Suzie, myself, Carole and Giuseppe went out to the Denby Lodge Steak House for an evening meal. So here are some photos from that evening...
As you can see, Carole is looking well which is a great relief to us all.
As you can see, Carole is looking well which is a great relief to us all.
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
Health check
Today I had my annual check-ups for asthma and diabetes with Julie & Marion (respectively) at OMC and that in all measures except one I am fitter and healthier than this time last year.
Blood pressure 140 / 68 (down from 168 / 83 just 3 weeks ago and from 164 / 80 last year).
Glucose 6.4 (down from 6.7, over 7.0 is a cause for concern).
Platelets 171 (healthy is 150 – 450, normal is 170+, last reading 3 weeks ago was 127).
Cholesterol down 0.3 to 4.3 (normal healthy is 5.0 or less)
All other blood readings showed a similar improvement across the board (i.e. a shift of 0.3 for the better) and my weight is down from 15st 9lb to 14st 13ld, a loss of 10 pounds, and the biggest change they have seen in my weight since I had Sarcoids back in 2004/5. Marion checked my feet – healthy verdict.
The only poor reading was my breathing capacity (lungs) at 360 cms which is down from 450 cms last year and which should be over 600 cms for a healthy person, but, Julie’s notes show that last year I was on the brown Beclazone inhaler which I haven’t used since I last saw her. No need to restart using it unless I feel significantly more breathless than I usually do now.
All things considered, I am one happy chappy.
Blood pressure 140 / 68 (down from 168 / 83 just 3 weeks ago and from 164 / 80 last year).
Glucose 6.4 (down from 6.7, over 7.0 is a cause for concern).
Platelets 171 (healthy is 150 – 450, normal is 170+, last reading 3 weeks ago was 127).
Cholesterol down 0.3 to 4.3 (normal healthy is 5.0 or less)
All other blood readings showed a similar improvement across the board (i.e. a shift of 0.3 for the better) and my weight is down from 15st 9lb to 14st 13ld, a loss of 10 pounds, and the biggest change they have seen in my weight since I had Sarcoids back in 2004/5. Marion checked my feet – healthy verdict.
The only poor reading was my breathing capacity (lungs) at 360 cms which is down from 450 cms last year and which should be over 600 cms for a healthy person, but, Julie’s notes show that last year I was on the brown Beclazone inhaler which I haven’t used since I last saw her. No need to restart using it unless I feel significantly more breathless than I usually do now.
All things considered, I am one happy chappy.
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Where does time go?
It has been over a month since I last posted on this blog - no I haven't lost interest but time has flown by and myself and the family have just been so busy.
First, we have all been so busy at work. I've been settling into my new role, my manager has resigned and moved on and new managers mean new ideas on how things should be done. Sue has had her role confirmed as permenant (it was 2 year fixed term) and is undertaking a number of site visits in her attempts to make significant cost savings for Derby City Council. Mark got promoted after just 6 months at BMI and that has brought added duties and responsibilities. Andy has been working long hours and hard to achieve maximum bonus, trying to boost his savings for when he joins Rolls Royce in September on their apprenticeship scheme (when the money will drop significantly).
Outside of work - well I went off on my motorbike touring across France to the annual European meeting of Honda Deauville owners at Riegel in Germany (a full write-up is underway and will be posted on my website sometime). At the same time I had to arrange for a joiner/carpenter to sort out a soft patch of flooring in mother's entrance hall, resolved with additional noggings. We have had a scare with mother having to be checked for cancer of the colon which thankfully hasn't returned (she had it back in 2005) and she has been given the all clear (next check-up in 5 years time). We have had to do the reseach in readiness for Dad going into a residential nursing home - he's on the list and gets a place when one becomes available. We have also had Sue's sister Janice up to stay with us for a few days so that the two of them could sort out some respite day care for their Dad and he now goes into a care centre each Thursday (which he loves) so that Sue's mum can have a break (there's nothing wrong with him, they are both just old). Sue has/is been helping our friend Carole who has just had a successful operation to remove a breast cancer tumour and her nymph gland, but thankfully that was a total success and she now has to take a course of pills (instead of chemotherapy) so she will be off work for a long time.
On top of that, we've had the decorators in and the master bedroom has been completely re-done with new paint, paper, carpet, curtains, bedding and lighting. Also took the opportunity to dispose of some of the clutter both in the master and 4th bedroom (now my office). Still got some trips to do to both the amenity tip and the local charity shop but I've got to get that room cleared and sorted so that it is properly my office - don't hold your breath.
Following a recent trip to my dentist I went down with a rather nasty case of Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) which resulted in a sunny Sunday afternoon being wasted on a trip to the local emergency, out of hours clinic, followed by a trip to see my GP and 2 days off work (no work = no pay). Thankfully I am now just about over that, but it was rather painful at the time.
Andy has today flown out to Lanzarotte with his girlfriend and her family for a week in the sun. Mark has just found out that he has to take 3 weeks leave by the end of September and Sue and I are hoping to get away for a week in September - we were planning to go on holiday with Carole & Giuseppe but that is going to depend on Carole's recovery. Sue has got a long weekend this weekend as she's taking Friday & Monday as leave and is hoping to spend time with Carole.
Add to all that the usual household chores, gardening, shopping and socialising and it's been a busy few weeks and really does make you wonder where does time go? It's not until you look back like I am in writing this blog post that you start to realise how much we cram into our lives these days.
First, we have all been so busy at work. I've been settling into my new role, my manager has resigned and moved on and new managers mean new ideas on how things should be done. Sue has had her role confirmed as permenant (it was 2 year fixed term) and is undertaking a number of site visits in her attempts to make significant cost savings for Derby City Council. Mark got promoted after just 6 months at BMI and that has brought added duties and responsibilities. Andy has been working long hours and hard to achieve maximum bonus, trying to boost his savings for when he joins Rolls Royce in September on their apprenticeship scheme (when the money will drop significantly).
Outside of work - well I went off on my motorbike touring across France to the annual European meeting of Honda Deauville owners at Riegel in Germany (a full write-up is underway and will be posted on my website sometime). At the same time I had to arrange for a joiner/carpenter to sort out a soft patch of flooring in mother's entrance hall, resolved with additional noggings. We have had a scare with mother having to be checked for cancer of the colon which thankfully hasn't returned (she had it back in 2005) and she has been given the all clear (next check-up in 5 years time). We have had to do the reseach in readiness for Dad going into a residential nursing home - he's on the list and gets a place when one becomes available. We have also had Sue's sister Janice up to stay with us for a few days so that the two of them could sort out some respite day care for their Dad and he now goes into a care centre each Thursday (which he loves) so that Sue's mum can have a break (there's nothing wrong with him, they are both just old). Sue has/is been helping our friend Carole who has just had a successful operation to remove a breast cancer tumour and her nymph gland, but thankfully that was a total success and she now has to take a course of pills (instead of chemotherapy) so she will be off work for a long time.
On top of that, we've had the decorators in and the master bedroom has been completely re-done with new paint, paper, carpet, curtains, bedding and lighting. Also took the opportunity to dispose of some of the clutter both in the master and 4th bedroom (now my office). Still got some trips to do to both the amenity tip and the local charity shop but I've got to get that room cleared and sorted so that it is properly my office - don't hold your breath.
Following a recent trip to my dentist I went down with a rather nasty case of Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) which resulted in a sunny Sunday afternoon being wasted on a trip to the local emergency, out of hours clinic, followed by a trip to see my GP and 2 days off work (no work = no pay). Thankfully I am now just about over that, but it was rather painful at the time.
Andy has today flown out to Lanzarotte with his girlfriend and her family for a week in the sun. Mark has just found out that he has to take 3 weeks leave by the end of September and Sue and I are hoping to get away for a week in September - we were planning to go on holiday with Carole & Giuseppe but that is going to depend on Carole's recovery. Sue has got a long weekend this weekend as she's taking Friday & Monday as leave and is hoping to spend time with Carole.
Add to all that the usual household chores, gardening, shopping and socialising and it's been a busy few weeks and really does make you wonder where does time go? It's not until you look back like I am in writing this blog post that you start to realise how much we cram into our lives these days.
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
New car
I forgot to mention that Suzie has a new car - well, new to her. A pre-owned Peugeot 207cc in white that is less than 9 months old and fitted with all the toys has replaced her 6 year old Tigra. I'll put up some pictures on the family website when I get back from Germany.
Initially, while it was the car she wanted she was also a bit wary of driving it but as she's now done a trip to Manchester (to see Take That in concert at the Man City ground) she's now fallen in love with it and has no regrets about the change.
Initially, while it was the car she wanted she was also a bit wary of driving it but as she's now done a trip to Manchester (to see Take That in concert at the Man City ground) she's now fallen in love with it and has no regrets about the change.
To the 4 winds
Last Saturday Dad went into respite to ive mum a 3 week break. Unfortunately he was vomiting on arrival but this was put down to a combination of factors - he'd just had lunch when the private ambulance turned up to collect him, it was a different driver and the journey was extended due to traffic. However, the staff soon had him cleaned up and resting
So this Saturday sees the family scattering off to do their own 'thing'. I'm off to do a bit of motorcycle touring of France en route to Riegel in Germany. Andy & Emma are off to Lanzarotte for a week while Suzie & Mark are taking in a show in London (Jackson's Thriller) on a day trip. Hopefully Mark will take his grandmother to see AJ in respite on Sunday ahead of Joh & Angie's visit to see Mum the following weekend.
So this Saturday sees the family scattering off to do their own 'thing'. I'm off to do a bit of motorcycle touring of France en route to Riegel in Germany. Andy & Emma are off to Lanzarotte for a week while Suzie & Mark are taking in a show in London (Jackson's Thriller) on a day trip. Hopefully Mark will take his grandmother to see AJ in respite on Sunday ahead of Joh & Angie's visit to see Mum the following weekend.
Thursday, 26 May 2011
Super Injunctions
Superstars have been taking out these so called "super injunctions" and MPs in parliament have been naming names, flouting their priviledges and people in the know have been using social networking sites from Scotland and the USA where the injunctions. part of British law, has no meaning or effect.
Now the judiciary has said that the basis for privacy laws needs to be reviewed and the government has said that they will ensure such a review is performed, BUT, that it is "difficult to draw a line between an individual's right to privacy and the media's right to publish news worthy items".
No it is not!
What happens between a husband and spouse (also read "civil partnerships") is private and should be protected in law. But the moment either of the partners has an affair outside the marriage/partnership then that is public domain news. Sir Fred Goodwin, Ryan Giggs, Andrew Marr, etc... should all expect the privacy laws to work for them in their "home life" but an affair is outside "home life" and as such is outside the laws on privacy.
Simples!
Now the judiciary has said that the basis for privacy laws needs to be reviewed and the government has said that they will ensure such a review is performed, BUT, that it is "difficult to draw a line between an individual's right to privacy and the media's right to publish news worthy items".
No it is not!
What happens between a husband and spouse (also read "civil partnerships") is private and should be protected in law. But the moment either of the partners has an affair outside the marriage/partnership then that is public domain news. Sir Fred Goodwin, Ryan Giggs, Andrew Marr, etc... should all expect the privacy laws to work for them in their "home life" but an affair is outside "home life" and as such is outside the laws on privacy.
Simples!
Monday, 23 May 2011
Congratulations
Suzie has completed an intensive 3 day course, terminating in an examination for the Prince2 Foundation certification. While she is still waiting on formal notification, she has already been told unoffically that she has passed. It will immediately help her in her new role as she helps drive change in the local authority where she works. We are all very proud of her and our congratulations are both deep and heart felt, well done Suzie! Congratulations!
While I'm posting good news, our Mark is also to be congratulated as he has just completed his 6 month probation period by securing a promotion into his first managerial role, rewarding his hard work and the sweeping changes he has already brought to the Revenue Management section in which works. Well done Mark! Congratulations to you too!
While I'm posting good news, our Mark is also to be congratulated as he has just completed his 6 month probation period by securing a promotion into his first managerial role, rewarding his hard work and the sweeping changes he has already brought to the Revenue Management section in which works. Well done Mark! Congratulations to you too!
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Deauvilles ride-out May 1st
Sunday, May 1st saw the 5th anniversary ride-out around the Derbyshire Peak District. This is an event that I inaugurated, planning the route using a number of tools, and make available to participants in advance so that those with Sat Navs can pre-load the route making it easier to keep the group together. This year though I had the assistance and input during route planning of my mate Phil Swain, as it was a route he'd previously introduced me to which I reversed and modified to start at Cromford Mill and end at The Fishponds in Matlock Bath. The day was bright and sunny but with a very stiff breeze, which made riding over some of the higher points of the route very interesting. Anyway here are some photos I took:-
And here are some more taken by Steve Adcock:-
An enjoyable day marred only by a glitch with my bike's HISS system which (as has happened previously) cured itself after a few minutes but resulted in me gaining Rachel as a pillion for a few miles until we caught up with her husband Nev after he'd left her at the roadside when he went chasing after Phil Swain (who, as the leader, was unaware of my problem). On the day, including myself, we had in attendance 3 Phils, 3 Steves, 2 Colins, Nev & Rachel, Dave and Marie. That's nine bikes, Deauvilles except for Nev's Pan European. A great day's riding taking in the Churnet Valley Railway and a lunchtime stop at the CVR's Tea Rooms - very nice.
And here are some more taken by Steve Adcock:-
An enjoyable day marred only by a glitch with my bike's HISS system which (as has happened previously) cured itself after a few minutes but resulted in me gaining Rachel as a pillion for a few miles until we caught up with her husband Nev after he'd left her at the roadside when he went chasing after Phil Swain (who, as the leader, was unaware of my problem). On the day, including myself, we had in attendance 3 Phils, 3 Steves, 2 Colins, Nev & Rachel, Dave and Marie. That's nine bikes, Deauvilles except for Nev's Pan European. A great day's riding taking in the Churnet Valley Railway and a lunchtime stop at the CVR's Tea Rooms - very nice.
Sunday, 24 April 2011
I have a job
On Monday I had an interview at 11:00 at Capita on The Wyvern, Derby. On leaving I phoned Duncan MacDonald at the agency who had got me the interview to supply my feedback, that I thought the interview had gone well. I then got into my gear ready for a ride on the motorbike and was just about to leave when the phone rang. It was Duncan, and they wanted me back for a 2nd interview at 16:00. I asked "Which day?" and Ducan replied "Today".
So at 16:00 I was back there for the 2nd round, which turned out to be a "test". Twenty minutes to prepare, then 8 - 10 minutes to present, followed by some questions. Again I went straight home to phone Duncan, but no sooner was I in the door than my phone rang and there was Duncan with his news. They'd already spoken and I was being offered a Senior Analyst role. "Did I want it?" Excuse me, silly question! Minutes later I had an email outlining the offer, which was followed by a further email the next morning, this time with attachments that are the usual Ts & Cs, but with that all important start date - 9th May 2011.
So it appears that I have a job. Relieved? You'd better believe it. Chuffed? Too right I am.
So at 16:00 I was back there for the 2nd round, which turned out to be a "test". Twenty minutes to prepare, then 8 - 10 minutes to present, followed by some questions. Again I went straight home to phone Duncan, but no sooner was I in the door than my phone rang and there was Duncan with his news. They'd already spoken and I was being offered a Senior Analyst role. "Did I want it?" Excuse me, silly question! Minutes later I had an email outlining the offer, which was followed by a further email the next morning, this time with attachments that are the usual Ts & Cs, but with that all important start date - 9th May 2011.
So it appears that I have a job. Relieved? You'd better believe it. Chuffed? Too right I am.
Microlight flight
My two lads, Andy & Mark, treated their dad to a microlight lesson with a voucher from Adventure001.com as a Christmas present and today was the day I used that voucher. We drove over to Ashbourne airfield on Darley Moor under overcast and grey skies. Dave was my pilot for the day and I had a 30 minute flight which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was everything I was expecting it to be, nice and smooth and really quite graceful, so here are some pictures that Suzie took at the start and end of my flight:-
I had been wanting to do a microlight flight for some time and my expectation was high beforehand, and I wasn't disappointed, so a big THANK YOU to my lads for treating their dad to such a fantastic Christmas present. I will probably do that again sometime.
I had been wanting to do a microlight flight for some time and my expectation was high beforehand, and I wasn't disappointed, so a big THANK YOU to my lads for treating their dad to such a fantastic Christmas present. I will probably do that again sometime.
Saturday, 23 April 2011
Essential maintenance
Spring has seen me catch up on some essential maintenance on the Deauville. Front forks were removed and the old fork oil drained and fresh oil carefully measured and duly poured in, forks reassembled, given a quick rub down and sprayed with Hammerite Smooth Silver before refitting. That started the process off.
Then a Motad full stainless steel exhaust system was fitted. It is so much lighter than the standard Honda system and will probably last long past the rest of the bike. Deauvilles have a reputation of going on forever, but, outlasting stainless...? Anyway, here's a picture I took when I was still at FIS just after it had been fitted.
Newly fitted Motad exhaust on view.
With all the time I've had on my hands I've put some effort into cleaning the bike up so it looks even better now than in this picture and if you want to leanr more and see more pictures then visit My Family website.
Then a Motad full stainless steel exhaust system was fitted. It is so much lighter than the standard Honda system and will probably last long past the rest of the bike. Deauvilles have a reputation of going on forever, but, outlasting stainless...? Anyway, here's a picture I took when I was still at FIS just after it had been fitted.
Newly fitted Motad exhaust on view.
With all the time I've had on my hands I've put some effort into cleaning the bike up so it looks even better now than in this picture and if you want to leanr more and see more pictures then visit My Family website.
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